Man who charged SEPTA cops with knife pleads to assault rap

MEDIA COURTHOUSE — An Upper Darby man who was shot by SEPTA police inside 69th Street terminal after coming at them with a knife pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of aggravated assault and possession of an instrument of crime.

Mark Singer, 55, of the Merion Trace Apartments, was sentenced to time served to 12 months at Delaware County prison, as well as four years of consecutive probation.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Singer entered the station at about 8 p.m. Feb. 7 armed with a knife and went to attack two SEPTA police officers. Despite orders to drop his weapon, Singer continued to lunge at the officers, forcing them to fire.

Singer was struck in the arms, shoulder and side, and treated at Delaware County Memorial Hospital. Upper Darby police Superintendent told the Daily Times that Singer appeared to have attempted “suicide by cop” and had asked officers why they did not shoot him in the heart.

Judge John Capuzzi ordered Singer, who has been incarcerated at Norristown State Hospital since the incident, to be released to the care of the Mobile Assessment Stabilization Treatment branch of Delaware County Probation and Parole, which deals in mental health services.

Defense attorney Robert Lodge said the MAST team would assist Singer in making sure he received medication and got to probation meetings.

Capuzzi told Singer mental illness is not a stigma, but failing to take prescribed medication is.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Hill said he had spoken to the officers involved in the shooting and they believed the negotiated sentence was appropriate.